[1] Pierre Jean David d’Angers
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
based on the clay model from 1829
1977, Gypsum cast
Goetheana, Foundation Peter Boerner

On the 3rd of September 1829, Goethe met the Grand Duchess Maria Pawlowna and Johann Heinrich Meyer in front of the clay model. According to Eckermann, Goethe commented on the bust after careful observation: “Curious! Curious!”

The model was sent to Paris to be sculpted in marble. Goethe was unsure. So, in April 1830, he asked the Countess Chassepot to form her own opinion at David d'Angers' studio. She lived in Paris, but first saw this bust at the public exhibition. At the end of May 1831, she answered Goethe: “The resemblance is very great; I have found in this image the beautiful, elegant features of my unforgettable friend.”

The colossal bust was the topic of much discussion, even outside Weimar. Meyer analyzed it from an art-historical perspective in 1832 in Ueber Kunst und Alterthum. He pointed out differences in national taste, saying that “all those educated in the usual German way will find it difficult to get excited about the work [...]”. The eyes and mouth are naturally modeled; the lips are lightly raised, as if to speak, and thus seem lifelike. The hair earned praise, although one might have wished for “a more graceful curl.” He noted finally that the hair around the forehead is very well placed.

The lively nature that Meyer describes is still visible today. David d'Angers' bust continues to have a significant influence on the image of Goethe in France.